There are likely still fans of NBC's The Office that are holding on to the hope that Steve Carell will return for the series finale, even though network president Bob Greenblatt revealed last month that the actor's return is unlikely. I recently spoke with Creed Bratton, who confirmed that Michael Scott will not be returning to Dunder Mifflin. Here's what he had to say, also revealing that he believes this final season has been their best in years.

"No, no, no. He made it very, very clear. He told all of us in confidence, and they keep asking him, but no, he's not going to do it. He went out with grace, and he went out at a perfect time. By the way, I know this last season is our best one over the last couple of years. We were really hanging in there after he left, and I made it very public, after Steve left, that I would be very happy if we stopped right now, because I think we had done it with Steve. We put on some interesting shows, but I don't think we got back rolling again until this year. I do believe now, for a fact, that we are going out with our head held high, and doing some very funny stuff."

On last week's episode of The Office, "Couples Discount", Andy (Ed Helms) made his long-awaited return to Dunder Mifflin, which will obviously shake things up around the office. Creed Bratton also teased an upcoming firing and much more.

"Well, someone is going to get fired. We know that. There is the love triangle now with Pete (Jake Lacy) and Erin (Ellie Kemper) and Andy. Angela (Angela Kinsey) and Dwight (Rainn Wilson), there's a possibility they may start flirting with each other again. (Executive producer) Greg Daniels was telling me various things for Creed, and it's about time, by the way (Laughs). We only have a few more months left, and I want to tie a little ribbon on Creed's character. I'm going to miss him, but I'm also very, very excited to go on and do other characters too. We've just got a couple more episodes left to shoot, then the hour-long finale, which will be an eight-day shoot, and then we're done forever."

When I asked him if there was anything specific he would like to see happen with his Creed character in the last few episodes, the actor wouldn't reveal any specifics.

"The things they're talking about, I can't talk about, because it would give away stuff. Things change too, so I might say something then they might get to a point where they say it's not going to work out and they need something more with Pam (Jenna Fischer). I totally understand that. People really want to see this Jim (John Krasinski) and Pam thing work out, since they're having these little problems now. We're hoping it's all going to work out, but who knows. The Office has never been one for a cheap laugh, and if it has to get emotional and uncomfortable, we go there sometimes. You'll just have to watch and find out."

We reported last week that The Office hour-long series finale will air Thursday, May 16 at 9 PM ET on NBC.